In spite of the numerous ugly experiences, Nigerians have had relating to an investment in “Too Good to be True” Investment Schemes (Ponzi Schemes) packaged and delivered under various names, that has not dissuaded them from staying away from such schemes.

The common badge of validation most of the victims use to certify these schemes as genuine or not is usually the one-time payment received from the platform. Funny enough this one-time payment is never in any way equivalent to the initial amount invested in the schemes.  Ultimately, when these schemes collapse the investors or subscribers will always be at a loss.

Another thing that baffles me most is the fact that this “Too Good to be True” Investment schemes don’t even border to change their business operating model or better stated as their Intended Scamming Scheme, yet a lot of people still fall prey to them.

How they operate, it usually starts with an initial investment amount tied to a specific guaranteed daily, weekly, monthly, yearly  or even guaranteed  returns for life, under different packages depending on the invested  amount. The initial return on investment for the first month or week is usually smooth and hassle free to set your mind at ease. At this point you are already thinking of emptying your bank account or even selling your properties to invest in this God given investment scheme that will solve your financial miseries for life.

The next phase is usually characterized by delayed payment, which the guider or whatever they call it will attribute to platform upgrade, update or general maintenance carried out by the team behind the schemes. However, what is actually happening behind the scene is that the pool of new signups has dried up. Since the scheme relies on a continuous stream of never ending new signups, the payout as at when due is no longer possible.

Following the alarm raised by one or more individuals, the government regulators will want to intervene and the first step they choose most time is to freeze the account of the individuals involved in running the scheme. As much as this step would have been a welcomed development by the government, they don’t go further to distribute the seized assets or funds to the contributors of the scheme.

These would be accompanied by deep regret on the part of the investors; they will vow never to be part of such schemes in the future. In addition to that they will make a resolution to never be part of an online business opting only for a physical business in the future. Strong as this resolved may be at the point of realization that all hope is lost concerning the present scheme which they suffered severe loss, It will interest you to know that they will be the first to queue up at the forefront when similar schemes spring up in the future with a different name but with the same operating model. This time their intention would be to” Hit and Run”, and a new cycle is born.

Any comments, contributions or suggestions to the article would be appreciated.